Works and Days of Division – 29 poems by Martyn Crucefix
Drawing on two disparate sources, this sequence of mongrel-bred poems has been written to respond to the historical moment in this most disunited kingdom. Hesiod’s Works and Days – probably the oldest poem in the Western canon – is a poem driven by a dispute between brothers. The so-called vacana poems originate in the bhakti religious protest movements in 10-12th century India. Through plain language, repetition and refrain, they offer praise to the god, Siva, though they also express personal anger, puzzlement, even despair. Dear reader – if you like what you find here, please share the poems as widely as you can (no copyright restrictions). Or follow this blog for future postings. Bridges need building.
Thursday 14.03.2019
‘with hardly a sufficient reason’
‘each life balanced on the promissory wing of politics’
with hardly a sufficient reason
and without much reflection
on the nature of the multitude of needs I have
I occupy a priority seat
I travel westwards filled with a sense of direction
of assured purpose
though at 100 miles an hour
I find myself heading west as surely
as I am heading to the knocking of death
yet this is routine this is my common purpose
I’m travelling to visit my mother in the care home
where she has lived for two years
but I will have to relinquish my place
to the one who sidles up the aisle towards me
with her obviously greater needs
one who stands looking down at a wriggling child
all the bridges are down
Martyn Crucefix 